Shoelace and apparel lace design

ABSTRACT

This invention is a shoelace retainer ring, ball, clamp, and/or shell device of any desired shape, material and color which is fitted onto a shoelace and permits the user to enjoy fast and secure tying of shoelaces and expedient unknotting. Thus, this invention: (1) enables adults and children to tie shoelaces in a manner that allows knot-free tied shoelaces through a knot-free enablement device and (2) enables adults to locate missing children and handicapped persons using the invention through an included GPS device. The invention can be built directly onto the shoelace or be a separate device that clamps onto the shoelace. Said device can be made from any appropriate material (such as high-quality plastics), and formed to any desired shape, color, and decorum, and allows for reflective qualities or to be lit for safety. Additionally, it can but does not necessarily require an included electronic GPS device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed by provisional patent application No. 61/629,279; filed Nov. 16, 2011

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention is in the field of footwear and apparel design

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoes and other clothing items where laces are utilized, tend to have issues where knots are tied and become very difficult to untie. This is especially apparent for any parent who has dealt with tying and untying his or her child's shoes every morning and afternoon. This invention enables the user to eliminate the knotting process through a clamp and spring-loaded application.

Additionally, safety features are required/needed for children and electronic geographical positioning system (GPS) devices are underutilized to locate missing children, handicapped, and otherwise limited persons. Currently, shoelaces and apparel laces are merely one string weaved through eyelets and subjected to knotting and slippage and offers no other additional functions. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description herein and the drawings forming an integral part.

Shoelaces suffer several shortcomings associated with users attempting to reduce the length. One shortcoming is improper sizing, most of the time shoelaces are simply too long (particularly for children shoes) and this makes the shoelaces likely to drag on the ground and be prematurely worn. Users attempt to mitigate extra length by adding additional loops/knots/bowing which makes untying very difficult. Another method of reducing the length is by cutting the lace, however, this removes the aglets which results in unattractive lace that will be difficult to reset into the shoe. This invention bypasses the need for both of these solutions by providing users a way to clip their shoelaces together, in a fixed position, and to slide the mechanism off to untie the shoelace.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Illustrates the start of tying a shoelace.

FIG. 2: Illustrate the following standard operating procedure.

FIG. 3: Illustrates the normal tying method/movement following FIG. 2.

FIG. 4: Illustrates the insertion of the device, the first step in enabling this invention.

FIG. 5: Illustrates the second step of the enablement of the invention, which is looping the other end of the shoelace and location.

FIG. 6: Illustrates additional looping.

FIG. 7: Illustrates completed task.

FIG. 8: illustrate the benefit of the invention by pulling the end of the lace both sides are simply freed and release and knotting is eliminated.

FIG. 9: Illustrates a typical device, all other shapes, materials and colors are included in this invention.

FIG. 10: Illustrates typical dimensions. Other sizes and dimensions are included in this invention.

FIG. 11: Illustrates a shoe lace design with built-in device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to overcome the problems set forth above. This invention provides a shoelace retainer ring, ball, and/or clamp shell device of any desired shape, material and color to fitted into the lace as per FIG. 4 and utilized as per the steps show in subsequent drawings. Including the objects hereinafter recited the invention contemplates a shoelace de-knotting device fitted with electronic means to enable the tracking (location-detecting) of children and disabled persons.

It is another object of the present invention is to provide the de-knotting device of simple construction rugged and effectively lock on the lace when used.

Various retainer devices have been devised, basically to prevent “untying” of the knot. Such as double knotting, but produces knotting hard to undo. The present invention effectively prevents such tight knots to begin with. Untying is simple and easy, simply by pulling one end of the lace. The retainer shall be aesthetically pleasing, easy to use, and adaptable to various shoelace materials and designs. Utilizing reflective/lit device and shoelace will provide desired safety for the children and disabled persons.

Another embodiment of the invention to have the device built into the shoelace to begin with as per FIG. 11. Alternate design to the device is a spring loaded piston inside a cylinder and both including hole that can be lined up by pressing the spring utilizing the said piston then inserting the lace and releasing the piston so the spring will lock the lace. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device and method to eliminate knotting for shoelace and apparel laces.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be made of plastics, rubber, wood, metal, stone, or any appropriate material.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be made of desired color.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be made of any desired shape.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be hinged.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be spring loaded.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be unhinged with a hole for the lace.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be reflective to enhance the wearer safety.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to be lit to enhance the shoe wearer safety.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is to include electronic means to enable locating the shoe wearers.
 11. A reflective shoelace to enhance the shoe wearer safety.
 12. Said shoelace to include a built-in clasp to tie in one end of the lace to substitute for the retainer preventing the knotting. 